Battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell; the shell unit is provided with an accommodating space, and the battery cell is accommodated in the accommodating space; and a first wall portion and a second wall portion each surrounding the accommodation space; and a cooling water inlet unit including an inflow storage portion accommodating the cooling water flowing into the first wall portion, and provided such that the cooling water in the inflow storage portion can be introduced into the accommodating space through the plurality of intersection points.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module in which cooling water can be evenly distributed within the battery module and in which a branch cooling channel for cooling water is provided in the battery module itself.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0053926, dated April 25, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles that employ electric motors that generate driving force using electric energy instead of engines that generate driving force by burning existing fossil fuels are being released around the world as environmentally friendly vehicles.

[0004] Among environmentally friendly vehicles using such electric energy, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles receive electric power from an external charging facility connected to a power grid to charge a battery provided in the vehicle, and use the charged power of the battery to generate kinetic energy required for vehicle travel.

[0005] The batteries used in these eco-friendly vehicles require high output power and therefore generate a large amount of heat. Efficiently dissipating the heat generated from the batteries to prevent the batteries from overheating is very important for improving battery performance and extending life.

[0006] Conventionally, an air cooling method or a water cooling method or the like is known as a cooling method for discharging heat from a battery. Here, the direct water cooling method is a method of directly immersing a battery cell with cooling water to dissipate the heat of the battery cell directly into the cooling water.

[0007] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram for explaining a conventional cooling structure of a battery module.

[0008] Reference Figure 1 The battery module 10 includes a module frame 20 , a plurality of battery cells 30 , a cooling water inlet pipeline 30 , and a cooling water outlet pipeline 40 .

[0009] The plurality of battery cells 30 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other such that a gap between adjacent battery cells 30 is in the range of about 2 mm or less. Since the gap between the battery cells 30 is narrow, a method of optimizing the flow of the cooling water W1 to improve cooling efficiency is required.

[0010] The module frame 20 is configured so that the cooling water W1 realizes fluid movement in the module frame 20. A plurality of battery cells 30 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the inner space 25 of the module frame 20. In order to improve the cooling efficiency, the conventional battery module 10 needs to fix as many cooling ports as possible. Then, the cooling ports are designated as the inlet port 33 and the outlet port 43, respectively, according to the installation position.

[0011] The cooling water inlet line 30 is provided so that the cooling water W1 flows into the module frame 20, and includes a first pipe 31, a plurality of inlet ports 33, and a plurality of first supporting ribs 35. The first pipe 31 branches into several forks to be coupled to each inlet port 33.

[0012] Each inlet port 33 is coupled to the outside of the module frame 20 to achieve fluid movement with the inner space 25 of the module frame 20. Each inlet port 33 is supported on the module frame 20 by each first supporting rib 35.

[0013] A conventional battery module 10 implements a cooling water inlet line 30 , which requires multiple inlet ports 33 , multiple first supporting ribs 35 , and many various components, such as a sealing component for sealing each inlet port 33 to the module frame 20 and a coupling component for individually coupling each inlet port 33 to the first tube 31 .

[0014] Furthermore, the cooling water outlet line 40 is provided so that the heat-exchanged cooling water W2 is discharged from the module frame 20, and includes a second pipe 41, a plurality of outlet ports 43, and a plurality of second supporting ribs 45. The second pipe 41 branches into several forks to be coupled to each outlet port 43.

[0015] Each outlet port 43 is coupled to the outside of the module frame 20 to achieve fluid movement together with the inner space of the module frame 20. Each outlet port 43 is supported on the module frame 20 by each second supporting rib 45.

[0016] A conventional battery module 10 implements a cooling water outlet line 40 , which requires multiple outlet ports 43 , multiple second supporting ribs 45 , and many various components, such as a sealing component for sealing each outlet port 43 to the module frame 20 and a connecting component for individually connecting each outlet port 43 to the second tube 41 .

[0017] In this case, as the types and numbers of components increase, the process of assembling the cooling water inlet line 30 and the cooling water outlet line 40 to the module frame 20 becomes more complicated. In addition, the production cost of the battery module 10 also increases.

[0018] Furthermore, as the volume and weight of all components constituting the battery module 10 increase, there is a problem in that the energy density value decreases. Summary of the invention

[0019] Technical issues

[0020] The present invention is directed to a battery module in which cooling water can be evenly distributed within the battery module and in which branch cooling channels for cooling water are provided in the battery module itself.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention is directed to providing a battery module capable of improving the energy density of a battery module by simplifying a cooling line structure in the battery module and reducing the volume and weight of the battery module.

[0022] Technical Solution

[0023] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a battery module according to an example of the present invention includes: a battery cell; a shell portion, the shell portion having: a accommodating space, the battery cell being accommodated in the accommodating space; and a first wall portion and a second wall portion each surrounding the accommodating space; and a cooling water inlet portion, the cooling water inlet portion having an inlet storage portion, the cooling water flowing into the first wall portion being accommodated in the inlet storage portion, and the cooling water inlet portion being configured so that the cooling water in the inlet storage portion flows into the accommodating space through a plurality of branch points.

[0024] In addition, a plurality of battery cells may be provided, and the battery module may include: a plurality of battery cells; a shell portion, the shell portion having: a storage space in which the plurality of battery cells are stored; and a first wall portion and a second wall portion each surrounding the storage space; and a cooling water inlet portion, the cooling water inlet portion having an inlet storage portion, the cooling water flowing into the first wall portion being stored in the inlet storage portion, and the cooling water inlet portion being arranged so that the cooling water in the inlet storage portion flows into the storage space through a plurality of branch points.

[0025] Also, the first wall portion may include a first inner wall surrounding the accommodation space and a first outer wall provided around the first inner wall.

[0026] In addition, the inlet storage portion may be provided between the first outer wall and the first inner wall.

[0027] Furthermore, the cooling water inlet portion may include a plurality of cooling water inlet openings which are provided in the first inner wall and guide the flow of the cooling water so that the cooling water stored in the inlet storage portion flows into the accommodating space at the plurality of branch points.

[0028] Moreover, the cooling water inlet portion may include: a first inlet port, which is arranged in the first outer wall and through which the cooling water flows into the inlet storage portion; and a first inlet pipe, which is arranged to be connectable to the first inlet port and provide the cooling water to the first inlet port.

[0029] In addition, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings may be disposed separately at predetermined intervals along the inlet storage portion, and disposed such that an opening size becomes larger as the plurality of cooling water inlet openings are away from the first inlet port.

[0030] Also, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings may be located at an upper end of the inlet storage portion, so that in the inlet storage portion, the cooling water is stored to a predetermined water level and then flows into the accommodation space.

[0031] In addition, the inlet storage portion may include an inlet storage tank provided in the first wall portion, the first inlet port may be connected to a bottom of the inlet storage tank, and the plurality of cooling water inlet openings may be located at a top of the inlet storage tank.

[0032] In addition, the housing portion may include: a lower housing including the accommodation space, the first wall portion having the inlet storage portion; and an upper housing mounted on the lower housing to cover the accommodation space and the inlet storage portion. In addition, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings may be located between the upper housing and the first inner wall.

[0033] Moreover, the cooling water inlet portion may include: a second inlet port, which is spaced apart from the first inlet port and is arranged in the first outer wall so as to achieve fluid movement together with the inlet storage portion; and a second inlet pipe, which is arranged to be able to be connected to the second inlet port and provide the cooling water to the second inlet port.

[0034] In addition, the case portion may include a cooling water outlet portion provided in the second wall portion of the case portion so that the cooling water in the accommodation space is discharged from the accommodation space through a plurality of branch points.

[0035] Furthermore, the second wall portion may include: a second inner wall disposed to face the first inner wall of the housing portion and to surround the accommodation space; and a second outer wall disposed to surround the second inner wall.

[0036] Moreover, the cooling water outlet portion may include: an outlet storage portion, which is arranged between the second outer wall and the second inner wall; and a plurality of cooling water outlet openings, which are arranged in the second inner wall and guide the flow of the cooling water so that the cooling water in the accommodating space flows into the outlet storage portion at a plurality of branch points.

[0037] In addition, the cooling water outlet portion may include: a first outlet port, which is arranged in the second outer wall so as to achieve fluid movement together with the outlet storage portion; and a first outlet pipe, which is arranged to be connected to the first outlet port, and the cooling water discharged from the first outlet port flows through the first outlet pipe.

[0038] Furthermore, the plurality of cooling water outlet openings may be disposed separately at predetermined intervals along the outlet storage portion, and disposed such that an opening size becomes larger as the plurality of cooling water outlet openings are farther from the first outlet port.

[0039] Also, the plurality of cooling water outlet openings may be located at an upper end of the outlet storing portion so that the cooling water in the accommodating space is stored to a predetermined water level and then discharged to the outlet storing portion.

[0040] In addition, the outlet storage portion may include an outlet storage tank provided in the second wall portion, the first water outlet port may be connected to a bottom of the outlet storage tank, and the plurality of cooling water outlet openings may be located at a top of the outlet storage tank.

[0041] In addition, the cooling water outlet portion may include: a second outlet port, which is spaced apart from the first outlet port and is arranged in the second outer wall so as to achieve fluid movement together with the outlet storage portion; and a second outlet pipe, which is arranged to be connectable to the second outlet port, and the cooling water discharged from the second outlet port flows through the second outlet pipe.

[0042] In addition, a battery module relating to another example of the present invention includes: a battery cell; a shell portion, the shell portion having: a accommodating space in which the battery cell is accommodated; and a first wall portion and a second wall portion each surrounding the accommodating space; and a cooling water inlet portion, the cooling water inlet portion having: an inlet storage portion in which cooling water flowing into the first wall portion is accommodated; and a plurality of cooling water openings, the plurality of cooling water openings guiding the flow of the cooling water so that the cooling water stored in the inlet storage portion flows into the accommodating space at a plurality of branch points.

[0043] Beneficial Effects

[0044] As described above, the battery module relating to at least one example of the present invention has the following effects.

[0045] The cooling water inlet portion is formed in the first wall portion of the housing portion.

[0046] Furthermore, cooling water can be supplied to the accommodation space in the form of several forks through the plurality of cooling water inlet openings provided inside the first wall portion, and the cooling water can be uniformly supplied to the entire area of ​​the accommodation space. Therefore, cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0047] In addition, the cooling water outlet is formed in the second wall portion facing the first wall portion. At this time, the cooling water in the accommodation space can be discharged in several forks through the plurality of cooling water outlet openings provided inside the second wall portion, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.

[0048] Furthermore, the structure of the cooling line can be simplified by reducing the number of inlet ports and outlet ports connected from the outside of the housing portion.

[0049] Furthermore, the volume and weight of all components constituting the battery module can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram for explaining a conventional cooling structure of a battery module.

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a battery module according to a first example of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cooling water inlet portion of a battery module relating to a first example of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cooling water inlet opening in section A.

[0054] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of cooling water in a battery module according to a first example of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of cooling water in a battery module according to a second example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, a battery module according to one example of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] In addition, regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding components are given the same or similar reference numerals, and their repeated description will be omitted, and the size and shape of each component shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation.

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a battery module 100 relating to a first example of the present invention, and Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cooling water inlet portion of a battery module 100 relating to a first example of the present invention.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, a battery module 100 according to a first example of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 120 , a case portion 110 accommodating the plurality of battery cells 120 , and a cooling water inlet portion 130 .

[0060] Each of the battery cells 120 may be a cylindrical battery cell or a rectangular battery cell, and may be a secondary battery capable of being charged and discharged.

[0061] The housing portion 110 has: a storage space, a plurality of battery cells 120 are stored in the storage space 115; and a first wall portion 112 and a second wall portion 116, each of which surrounds the storage space 115. As an example, the housing portion 110 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, in which the storage space 115 is provided. The housing portion 110 may have a structure in which a plurality of housings are assembled, may have a bottom for arranging each battery cell 120, and may have a plurality of wall portions 112, 116 fixed to the bottom. For example, when the housing portion 110 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the housing portion may have a bottom and four wall portions, wherein the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 116 may be arranged to face each other. In addition, the housing portion 110 may be arranged so that each battery cell 120 is inserted along the height direction of the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 116.

[0062] In addition, the cooling water inlet portion 130 has an inlet storage portion 131, the cooling water W1 flowing into the first wall portion 112 is contained in the inlet storage portion 131, and the cooling water inlet portion 130 is arranged so that the cooling water W1 in the inlet storage portion 131 flows into the accommodation space 115 through a plurality of branch points. In this way, the cooling water inlet portion 130 is arranged in the first wall portion 112 of the housing portion 110, which can uniformly supply the cooling water W1 to the accommodation space 115 through a plurality of branch points, and can supply the cooling water W1 to the entire area of ​​the accommodation space 115.

[0063] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cooling water inlet opening in section A, and Figure 5 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of cooling water in the battery module 100 according to the first example of the present invention.

[0064] The first wall portion 112 may include a first inner wall 114 surrounding the accommodation space 115 and a first outer wall 113 disposed around the first inner wall 114. The first inner wall 114 and the first outer wall 113 are disposed at a predetermined interval apart from each other, wherein the inlet storage portion 131 may be disposed in a space between the first inner wall 114 and the first outer wall 113. In addition, the first inner wall 114 may form a boundary of the accommodation space 115, and the first outer wall 113 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the accommodation space 115 by the first inner wall 114.

[0065] The inlet storage portion 131 may be disposed between the first outer wall 113 and the first inner wall 114 .

[0066] Furthermore, the cooling water inlet portion 130 may include a plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 disposed on the first inner wall 114 and guiding the flow of cooling water such that the cooling water W1 stored in the inlet storage portion 131 flows into the accommodating space 115 at a plurality of branch points.

[0067] In addition, the cooling water inlet portion 130 may include a first inlet port 135 provided in the first outer wall 113 and through which the cooling water W1 flows into the inlet storage portion 131, and a first inlet pipe 141 provided to be connectable to the first inlet port 135 and to supply the cooling water W1 to the first inlet port 135. The first inlet pipe 141 may be detachably mounted on the first inlet port 135.

[0068] A plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may be located at an upper end of the inlet storing portion 131 , so that the cooling water W1 is stored to a predetermined water level in the inlet storing portion 131 and then flows into the accommodating space 115 .

[0069] The inlet storage portion 131 may include an inlet storage tank provided in the first wall portion 112. At this time, the first inlet port 135 may be connected to the bottom of the inlet storage tank, and the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may be located at the top of the inlet storage tank.

[0070] In addition, the housing portion 110 may include a lower housing 111 including a housing space 115, a first wall portion 112 having an inlet storage portion 131, and an upper housing 119, the lower housing 111 including a housing space 115, a first wall portion 112 having an inlet storage portion 131, and a second wall portion 116, the upper housing 119 being mounted on the lower housing 111 to cover the housing space 115 and the inlet storage portion 131. The upper housing 119 may be configured to cover an outlet storage portion 151 to be described below.

[0071] At this time, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may be located between the upper housing 119 and the first inner wall 114 .

[0072] In addition, the lower case 111 may include an accommodation space 115 accommodating the battery cell 120 , a first wall portion 112 , and a second wall portion 116 , wherein the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 116 each surround the accommodation space 115 .

[0073] In addition, the second wall portion 116 may be provided on an opposite side of the first wall portion 112 of the housing portion 110. The second wall portion 116 may include a second inner wall 118 forming a boundary of the accommodation space 115 and a second outer wall 117 surrounding the second inner wall 118 and provided separately from the accommodation space 115. The second inner wall 118 and the second outer wall 117 may be provided separately from each other at a predetermined interval, and the outlet storage portion 151 may be provided in a space between the second inner wall 118 and the second outer wall 117.

[0074] In addition, the upper case 119 may be coupled to the lower case 111 to cover the accommodation space, the first wall portion 112 , and the second wall portion 116 of the lower case 111 .

[0075] Specifically, the upper shell 119 may contact the first outer wall 113 and the second outer wall 117, respectively. Also, a plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may be provided between the upper shell 119 and the first inner wall 114. Furthermore, a plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 may be provided between the upper shell 119 and the second inner wall 118.

[0076] In addition, the upper case 119 may be provided so that one end of the battery cell 120 (including the terminal portion) is exposed to the outside when the upper case 119 covers the accommodation space 115 and is assembled to the lower case 111. In the battery cell 120, the terminal portion may be electrically connected to a bus bar (not shown) outside the upper case 119. Moreover, an end case (not shown) may be coupled to the upper case 119 to surround the bus bar. The end case (not shown) may be coupled to the upper case 119 to protect one end of the battery cell 120 and the bus bar (not shown) exposed to the outside of the upper case 119.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 The inlet storage portion 131 may be in the form of a groove located at the upper end of the first wall portion 112 in the lower shell 111 and arranged between the first outer wall 113 and the first inner wall 114, and the inlet storage portion 131 may be arranged in the first wall portion 112 so as to realize fluid movement together with the accommodating space 115.

[0078] The inlet storage portion 131 may be disposed such that the first inner wall 114 has a height h shorter than that of the first outer wall 113 , and may be disposed such that the cooling water W1 flowing through the inlet storage portion 131 overflows the first inner wall 114 to flow into the accommodation space 115 .

[0079] As an example, the first inlet port 135 may be connected to the bottom of the inlet storage tank, and the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may be located at the top of the inlet storage tank. In this way, after the cooling water W1 in the inlet storage portion 131 is stored to a predetermined water level, the cooling water W1 may be supplied to the accommodation space through the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133. When the cooling water W1 is stored to a predetermined water level along the longitudinal direction L of the inlet storage tank, the cooling water may be uniformly supplied to the entire area of ​​the accommodation space 115 through the plurality of inlet openings 133. Moreover, the plurality of inlet openings 133 may have the same size.

[0080] In addition, each inlet opening 133 may also have a circular, semicircular, polygonal or the like shape.

[0081] The first inlet port 135 may be provided in the first outer wall 113 so as to achieve fluid movement together with the inlet storage portion 131. The first inlet port 135 may be sealed on the first outer wall 113 of the lower case 111 by a sealing member (not shown). This is to prevent the cooling water W1 from leaking through a gap between the first inlet port 135 and the first outer wall 113, wherein an O-ring may be used as the sealing member.

[0082] Reference Figure 3 The first inlet pipe 141 may be detachably mounted on the first inlet port 135. The first inlet pipe 141 is disposed outside the housing portion 110, that is, outside the battery module 100. The first inlet pipe 141 is a pipe for supplying cooling water W1 to the first inlet port 135.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 , each cooling water inlet opening 133 may also be formed by a groove structure provided at an upper end of the first inner wall 114 in the lower shell 111 and the upper shell 119 .

[0084] The plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 ( 133 a to 133 h ) perform a function of branching the cooling water W1 flowing through the inlet storage portion 131 into several forks.

[0085] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the inlet storing portion 131 .

[0086] As one example, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may be disposed such that the opening size becomes larger as the plurality of cooling water inlet openings are farther from the first inlet port 135 .

[0087] That is, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 are disposed along the longitudinal direction L of the inlet storing portion 131 such that the opening size becomes larger as the cooling water inlet opening is farther from the first inlet port 135 .

[0088] When the inlet storage portion 131 has a structure extending in the longitudinal direction, the cooling water W1 flowing through the inlet storage portion 131 may have a slower flow rate as it moves away from the first inlet port 135. At this time, the size of the cooling water inlet opening 133 may be made small at a branch point where the flow rate of the cooling water W1 is high, and the size of the cooling water inlet opening 133 may be made large at a branch point where the flow rate of the cooling water W1 is low. Therefore, the cooling water W1 flowing through the inlet storage portion 131 may be uniformly introduced into the entire area of ​​the accommodating space 115 through the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133.

[0089] For convenience of explanation, according to the arrangement order of the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133, these openings are represented by reference numerals 133a, 133b, 133c, 133d, 133e, 133f, 133g, 133h, respectively, in the order close to the first inlet port 135. Therefore, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may include 1a inlet opening 133a, 1b inlet opening 133b, 1c inlet opening 133c, 1d inlet opening 133d, 1e inlet opening 133e, 1f inlet opening 133f, 1g inlet opening 133g, and 1h inlet opening 133h.

[0090] The number of cooling water inlet openings 133 is not limited to the number shown in this specification.

[0091] The 1a to 1h inlet openings 133a to 133h may be arranged in a row to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the inlet storage portion 131. The 1a to 1h inlet openings 133a to 133h are each connected to enable fluid movement together with the inlet storage portion 131.

[0092] Herein, the 1a inlet opening 133 a is the inlet opening closest to the first inlet port 135 , and the 1h inlet opening 133 h is the inlet opening farthest from the first inlet port 135 .

[0093] The plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 increase in size from 1a inlet opening 133a to 1h inlet opening 133h to ensure that the cooling water W1 flowing along the inlet storage portion 131 is uniformly introduced over the entire area of ​​the accommodating space 115 in consideration of the flow rate of the cooling water W1.

[0094] The housing portion 110 may include a cooling water outlet portion 150 provided in the second wall portion 116 of the housing portion so that the cooling water W2 in the accommodation space 115 is discharged from the accommodation space through a plurality of branch points.

[0095] The second wall portion 116 may include a second inner wall 118 disposed to face the first inner wall 114 of the housing portion 110 and to surround the accommodation space, and a second outer wall 117 disposed to surround the second inner wall 118 .

[0096] The cooling water outlet portion 150 may be provided in the second wall portion 116 of the lower case 111 so that the cooling water W2 heat-exchanged with the battery cells 120 in the accommodation space 115 is discharged from the accommodation space 115 through a plurality of branch points.

[0097] The cooling water outlet portion 150 may be provided in the second wall portion 116 to have the same structure as that of the cooling water inlet portion 130. In addition, the second wall portion 116 may be provided in the lower case 111 to face the first wall portion 112 in parallel.

[0098] In addition, the cooling water outlet portion 150 may include an outlet storage portion 151 , a first outlet port 155 , and a plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 .

[0099] Specifically, the cooling water outlet portion 150 may include an outlet storage portion 151 arranged between the second outer wall 117 and the second inner wall 118, and the cooling water outlet portion 150 may include a plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153, and the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 are arranged in the second inner wall 118 and guide the flow of cooling water W2 so that the cooling water in the accommodating space 115 flows into the outlet storage portion 151 at a plurality of branch points.

[0100] Also, the outlet storage portion 151 may be provided such that the height of the second inner wall 118 is shorter than that of the second outer wall 117. The outlet storage portion 151 is provided such that the heat-exchanged cooling water W2 flowing through the accommodating space 115 is guided through the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153.

[0101] The cooling water outlet portion 150 may include: a first outlet port 155, which is provided in the second outer wall 117 so as to achieve fluid movement together with the outlet storage portion 151; and a first outlet pipe 161, which is provided to be connected to the first outlet port 155 and through which the cooling water discharged from the first outlet port 155 flows. The first outlet pipe 161 may be detachably mounted on the first outlet port 155.

[0102] The first outlet port 155 may be provided in the second outer wall 117 so as to achieve fluid movement together with the outlet storage portion 151. The first outlet port 155 may be subjected to sealing to the second outer wall 117 of the lower case 111 by a sealing member. This is to prevent the cooling water W2 from leaking through a gap between the first outlet port 155 and the second outer wall 117, wherein an O-ring may be used as the sealing member.

[0103] The first outlet pipe 161 may be detachably mounted on the first outlet port 155. The first outlet pipe 161 is a pipe through which the heat-exchanged cooling water W2 discharged from the first outlet port 155 flows to the outside of the battery module 100.

[0104] A plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 may connect the outlet storage portion 151 and the accommodation space 115 to achieve fluid movement, and may be provided in the second inner wall 118 of the second wall portion 116. The plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 are provided so that the cooling water W1 in the accommodation space 115 is discharged into the outlet storage portion 151 through a plurality of branch points.

[0105] The plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 are arranged along the longitudinal direction L of the outlet storing portion 151 such that the opening size becomes larger as the plurality of cooling water outlet openings are farther from the first outlet port 155 .

[0106] That is, the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 may be disposed separately at predetermined intervals along the outlet storing portion 151 , and disposed such that the opening size becomes larger as the plurality of cooling water outlet openings are away from the first outlet port 151 .

[0107] Herein, the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 are represented by reference numerals 153a, 153b, 153c, 153d, 153e, 153f, 153g, and 153h, respectively, according to their arrangement positions (sequences). For example, the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 may include 2a outlet openings 153a, 2b outlet openings 153b, 2c outlet openings 153c, 2d outlet openings 153d, 2e outlet openings 153e, 2f outlet openings 153f, 2g outlet openings 153g, and 2h outlet openings 153h.

[0108] The number of cooling water outlet openings 153 is not limited to the number shown in this specification.

[0109] The 2a outlet openings 153a to 2h outlet openings 153h are arranged in a row to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L of the outlet storage portion 151. The 2a outlet openings 153a to 2h outlet openings 153h are each connected to achieve fluid movement together with the outlet storage portion 151.

[0110] The 2a outlet opening 153 a is the outlet opening closest to the first outlet port 155 , and the 2h outlet opening 153 h is the outlet opening farthest from the first outlet port 155 .

[0111] The size of the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 increases from the 2a outlet opening 153a to the 2h opening 153h. That is, the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 are arranged so that the size of the outlet opening becomes smaller as it approaches the first outlet port 155. This takes into account the flow rate of the cooling water W2 that has undergone heat exchange, and is intended to ensure that the cooling water W2 that has undergone heat exchange is uniformly discharged to the outlet storage portion 151.

[0112] Also, a plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 may be located at an upper end of the outlet storing portion 151 so that the cooling water in the accommodating space 115 is stored to a predetermined water level and then discharged to the outlet storing portion 151 .

[0113] In addition, the outlet storage portion 151 may include an outlet storage groove provided in the second wall portion 116 .

[0114] The first outlet port 155 may be connected to the bottom of the outlet storage tank, and the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 may be located at the top of the outlet storage tank.

[0115] Since the inlet storage portion 131 is disposed in the first wall portion 112 of the shell portion 110 and the outlet storage portion 151 is disposed in the second wall portion 116 , the cooling water can branch into several forks in the first wall portion 112 to flow into the accommodating space 115 , and can be discharged from the accommodating space 115 into several forks.

[0116] Reference Figure 5 , cooling water W1 flows into the accommodation space 115 along the cooling water inlet portion 130. Specifically, the cooling water W1 flows into the inlet storage portion 131 through the first inlet port 135. When the cooling water W1 flows along the inlet storage portion 131, the cooling water W1 branches into several forks through the corresponding cooling water inlet openings 133 to flow into the accommodation space 115.

[0117] When the cooling water W1 flows in the accommodation space 115 , the cooling water W1 exchanges heat with the plurality of battery cells 120 .

[0118] The cooling water W2 that has undergone heat exchange in the accommodation space 115 is discharged from the accommodation space 115 along the cooling water outlet portion 150. Specifically, the cooling water W2 that has undergone heat exchange flows into the outlet storage portion 151 through each cooling water outlet opening 153. When the cooling water W2 that has undergone heat exchange flows along the outlet storage portion 151, the cooling water W2 that has undergone heat exchange is discharged to the outside of the housing portion 110 through the first outlet port 155.

[0119] In this manner, the cooling water W1 may be uniformly introduced into and discharged from the interior of the battery module 100 over the entire area of ​​the accommodation space 115 .

[0120] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of cooling water in a battery module according to a second example of the present invention.

[0121] Reference Figure 6 , the battery module 100a according to the second example includes a case portion 110, a cooling water inlet portion 130a, and a cooling water outlet portion 150a.

[0122] The housing portion 110 according to this example has the same structure as the housing portion 110 of the first example described above. Specifically, the inlet storage portion 131 provided in the first wall portion 112, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133, the outlet storage portion 151 provided in the second wall portion 116, and the plurality of cooling water outlet openings 153 are the same as those of the first example described above.

[0123] In a second example, the cooling water inlet portion 130a may include a second inlet port 137 and a second inlet pipe 142, wherein the second inlet port 137 is spaced apart from the first inlet port 135 and is disposed in the first outer wall 113 to achieve fluid movement together with the inlet storage portion 131, and the second inlet pipe 142 is configured to be able to be connected to the second inlet port 137 and provide cooling water to the second inlet port 137.

[0124] In addition, in the second example, the cooling water outlet portion 130b may include a second outlet port 157 and a second outlet pipe 162, wherein the second outlet port 157 is spaced apart from the first outlet port 155 and is arranged in the second outer wall 117 to achieve fluid movement together with the outlet storage portion 151, and the second outlet pipe 162 is arranged to be connected to the second outlet port 157 and the cooling water discharged from the second outlet port 157 flows through the second outlet pipe 162.

[0125] However, compared with the cooling water inlet portion 130 of the first example described above, the cooling water inlet portion 130a according to the present example is different in that it further includes a second inlet port 137. The second inlet port 137 is disposed to be spaced apart from the inlet port 135 in the longitudinal direction of the inlet storage portion 131. The second inlet pipe 142 may be detachably coupled to the second inlet port 137.

[0126] In addition, in the case where the second inlet port 137 is further provided, when the battery module has a large size, the inlet storage portion 131 is divided into a plurality of regions (e.g., two regions), thereby facilitating the cooling water W1 to flow into the corresponding regions. At this time, the plurality of cooling water inlet openings 133 may also be provided to have the same size.

[0127] Compared with the cooling water outlet portion 150 of the first example described above, the cooling water outlet portion 150 a according to the present example further includes a second outlet port 157 .

[0128] The second outlet port 157 is disposed to be spaced apart from the outlet port 155 in the longitudinal direction of the outlet storing portion 151. The second outlet pipe 162 may be detachably coupled to the second outlet port 157.

[0129] In the case where the second outlet port 157 is further provided, when the battery module has a large size, the accommodating outlet storage portion 151 is divided into at least two areas, thereby facilitating the discharge of the heat-exchanged cooling water W2 .

[0130] In the second example, the flow of the cooling water W1 and the flow of the cooling water W2 subjected to heat exchange are as follows.

[0131] The cooling water W1 flows into the inlet storage portion 131 through the first and second inlet ports 135 and 137 , respectively. When the cooling water W1 flows along the inlet storage portion 131 , the cooling water W1 branches into several forks through each cooling water inlet opening 133 , thereby flowing into the accommodation space 115 .

[0132] In addition, when the cooling water W1 flows through the accommodation space 115 , the cooling water W1 exchanges heat with the battery cells 120 .

[0133] The heat-exchanged cooling water W2 flows into the outlet storage portion 151 through each cooling water outlet opening 153. When the heat-exchanged cooling water W2 flows along the outlet storage portion 151, the cooling water W2 is discharged from the housing portion 110 through the first and second outlet ports 155 and 157.

[0134] The preferred examples of the present invention described above have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge of the present invention may make various modifications, changes and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these modifications, changes and additions should be deemed to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0135] Industrial Applicability

[0136] According to the battery module relating to one example of the present invention, cooling water can be uniformly distributed, and a branch cooling channel for cooling water can be provided in the battery module itself.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Battery cells; a housing portion having a housing space in which the battery cell is housed and a first wall portion and a second wall portion, the first wall portion and the second wall portion each surrounding the housing space; as well as A cooling water inlet portion has an inlet storage portion, in which the cooling water flowing into the first wall portion is accommodated, and the cooling water inlet portion is arranged so that the cooling water in the inlet storage portion flows into the accommodating space through a plurality of branch points.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first wall portion includes a first inner wall surrounding the accommodation space and a first outer wall arranged around the first inner wall; The inlet storage portion is disposed between the first outer wall and the first inner wall, and The cooling water inlet portion includes a plurality of cooling water inlet openings provided in the first inner wall and guiding the flow of the cooling water such that the cooling water stored in the inlet storage portion flows into the accommodation space at the plurality of branch points.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The cooling water inlet portion also includes: a first inlet port, which is arranged in the first outer wall and through which the cooling water flows into the inlet storage portion; and a first inlet pipe, which is arranged to be connectable to the first inlet port and provide the cooling water to the first inlet port.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of cooling water inlet openings are spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the inlet storing portion, and are arranged such that an opening size becomes larger as the plurality of cooling water inlet openings are away from the first inlet port.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of cooling water inlet openings are located at an upper end of the inlet storage portion, so that the cooling water is stored to a predetermined water level in the inlet storage portion and then flows into the accommodation space.

6. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The inlet storage portion includes an inlet storage slot disposed in the first wall portion, The first inlet port is connected to a bottom portion of the inlet storage tank, and the plurality of cooling water inlet openings are located at a top portion of the inlet storage tank.

7. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The housing portion includes a lower housing and an upper housing, the lower housing including the accommodation space and the first wall portion having the inlet storage portion, the upper housing being mounted on the lower housing to cover the accommodation space and the inlet storage portion, and The plurality of cooling water inlet openings are located between the upper housing and the first inner wall.

8. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The cooling water inlet portion also includes: a second inlet port, which is spaced apart from the first inlet port and is arranged in the first outer wall to achieve fluid movement together with the inlet storage portion; and a second inlet pipe, which is arranged to be connectable to the second inlet port and provide the cooling water to the second inlet port.

9. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The housing portion further includes a cooling water outlet portion, the cooling water outlet portion being provided in the second wall portion of the housing portion so that the cooling water in the accommodation space is discharged from the accommodation space through a plurality of branch points, and The second wall portion includes a second inner wall disposed to face the first inner wall of the housing portion and to surround the accommodation space, and a second outer wall disposed to surround the second inner wall.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The cooling water outlet portion includes: an outlet storage portion, which is arranged between the second outer wall and the second inner wall; and a plurality of cooling water outlet openings, which are arranged in the second inner wall and guide the flow of the cooling water so that the cooling water in the accommodating space flows into the outlet storage portion at a plurality of branch points.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The cooling water outlet portion also includes: a first outlet port, which is arranged in the second outer wall to achieve fluid movement together with the outlet storage portion; and a first outlet pipe, which is arranged to be connectable to the first outlet port, and the cooling water discharged from the first outlet port flows through the first outlet pipe.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of cooling water outlet openings are spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the outlet storage portion, and are arranged such that an opening size becomes larger as the plurality of cooling water outlet openings are away from the first outlet port.

13. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of cooling water outlet openings are located at an upper end of the outlet storing portion, so that the cooling water in the accommodating space is stored to a predetermined water level and then discharged to the outlet storing portion.

14. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The outlet storage portion includes an outlet storage slot disposed in the second wall portion, The first outlet port is connected to a bottom portion of the outlet storage tank, and the plurality of cooling water outlet openings are located at a top portion of the outlet storage tank.

15. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The cooling water outlet portion also includes: a second outlet port, which is spaced apart from the first outlet port and is arranged in the second outer wall so as to achieve fluid movement together with the outlet storage portion; and a second outlet pipe, which is arranged to be connectable to the second outlet port, and the cooling water discharged from the second outlet port flows through the second outlet pipe.

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